Toyota has unveiled the Supra A90 Final Edition, a limited-production model marking the culmination of the current Supra lineup. This special edition underscores Toyota’s commitment to high-performance engineering, blending cutting-edge enhancements with motorsport-inspired design. Alongside this announcement, the Supra receives its latest upgrades, delivering improved driving dynamics, safety, and style.
Supra 3.0 (Europe)
Evolving the Supra Legacy
Since its debut in 1978, the Toyota Supra has captivated fans worldwide with its iconic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and in-line six-cylinder engine. Its influence spans decades, from motorsport achievements to the recent rebirth of the GR Supra in 2019, spearheaded by Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo. As Toyoda reflected, “The new GR Supra was born through testing at Nürburgring and is a car that is fun to drive and better than ever.”
BMW Group Malaysia marked the 20th anniversary of its Regional Parts Distribution Centre with a significant expansion of its cutting-edge facility in Johor Bahru. Located in the Free Industrial Zone of Senai International Airport, the centre now spans 65,000 square metres, up from 45,000 square metres, cementing its position as one of the largest BMW facilities of its kind in the Asia Pacific region.
Originally established in 2004 at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Gelang Patah, the facility relocated to its current site in 2016. Over two decades, it has evolved into a critical hub for BMW’s after-sales operations and regional supply network, demonstrating the Group’s commitment to Malaysia as a strategic logistics and innovation hub.
The BMW Group continues to lead the way in production innovation with the advancement of Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) technology as part of its BMW iFACTORY framework. Following successful pilot tests since 2022, the AFW project has now entered series operation, beginning at the company’s largest European plant in Dingolfing.
The system leverages advanced digitalisation and automation, enhancing production efficiency and logistics. After the launch in Dingolfing, BMW’s Leipzig plant is set to adopt this cutting-edge technology, with other facilities in the production network slated to follow in phases.
Revolutionising Plant Operations with Automation
The AFW technology enables new BMW and Mini vehicles to drive autonomously through designated routes within the plant. For example, in Dingolfing, vehicles travel autonomously over one kilometre from assembly halls through the “short test course” to the finishing area.
Key to this innovation is the extensive LIDAR infrastructure, the largest in Europe, supported by state-of-the-art cloud architecture. This system, developed in collaboration with Swiss startup Embotech AG, ensures smooth and precise movements of vehicles, regardless of their equipment configurations.
Expanding Automation Across BMW Facilities
Dingolfing: Successfully implementing AFW for BMW 5 Series and 7 Series models.
Leipzig: Expanding to Mini Countryman and other BMW models, targeting 90% automation of vehicle movements.
Regensburg and Oxford: Set to adopt AFW by 2025.
Debrecen, Hungary: Launching the technology with the commencement of series production at the new site.
Future Applications and Developments
BMW plans to extend the use of AFW beyond in-plant operations, including:
Automated vehicle driving through testing zones.
Autonomous movement in outdoor distribution areas.
The development team is also exploring integration with on-board vehicle technology, which will work in tandem with external sensors to enhance efficiency.
Setting Benchmarks for Autonomous Driving
The AFW project represents BMW Group’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automation and digitalisation. Over the next decade, BMW plans to log millions of test kilometres with AFW technology within its global production network.
This pioneering step further cements BMW’s position as an innovation leader, transforming its production facilities into hubs of advanced technology and operational excellence.
Isuzu Motors Limited has officially launched the updated D-MAX 1-ton pickup truck and MU-X 7-seater passenger vehicle in Thailand. Both models are powered by the newly developed RZ4F 2.2L diesel engine paired with an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission (AT). These new vehicles, which promise improved start-up capability, acceleration, and fuel efficiency, will be available for sale in Thailand starting November 28, 2024.
The D-MAX and MU-X are well-regarded globally for their robust design, off-road capability, and fuel-efficient diesel engines. The addition of the RZ4F engine and 8-speed AT marks a significant upgrade, offering enhanced driving dynamics and performance. These improvements come in response to market demands and are expected to further strengthen the vehicles’ appeal to customers looking for dependable, efficient, and powerful vehicles.
In line with its mid-term business plan, “ISUZU Transformation – Growth to 2030,” Isuzu is pursuing a multi-pathway approach to vehicle power source technologies. This approach includes offering various powertrain options, such as internal combustion engine vehicles like the new RZ4F-powered models, as well as exploring the future potential of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).
Ahead of the much-anticipated reveal of the updated Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Manthey Racing, a German auto racing team, has introduced a factory-approved aerodynamic upgrade kit for the outgoing model. Backed by Porsche, which owns a 51% stake in Manthey, the package offers significant performance enhancements while maintaining the vehicle’s warranty.
The most noticeable change is the replacement of the rear window with a lightweight carbon fibre panel, which is 25% lighter than the original. The new panel integrates a shark fin antenna, inspired by the Porsche 963 endurance racer, and works in tandem with six smaller fins mounted on the roof. These fins direct hot air from the front radiators away from the rear intakes, allowing for cooler and more efficient airflow.
In the rear, the 911 GT3 RS is equipped with a redesigned carbon rear wing featuring modified endplates to boost downforce. A larger diffuser enhances stability, while carbon fibre aerodisc wheel covers reduce air resistance. These combined modifications enable the car to generate over 1,000kg of downforce at speeds of 284km/h.
Beyond its aerodynamic tweaks, the Manthey kit also includes mechanical upgrades. The front axle receives a 30% increase in spring rates, while the rear benefits from a 15% improvement. Additional components include new shock absorbers and racing brake pads, specifically designed for models equipped with ceramic-composite brakes. The package also features aesthetic touches such as carbon fiber decals, illuminated door sill guards, LED door projectors, and a towing eye for track use only.
Manthey’s engineers spent two years developing the kit, subjecting it to extensive testing across European racetracks. The company has hinted at plans to showcase its performance with a timed lap at the Nürburgring. The goal is to improve upon the stock GT3 RS’s lap time of 6 minutes and 49.32 seconds, set in October 2022, and approach the 6:43.30 record achieved by a previous-generation GT2 RS fitted with Manthey components in 2021.
For GT3 RS owners eager to upgrade, the new kit is already available for order. It will be delivered to European Union markets starting in January 2025, with availability in non-EU regions following in March. The price for this specific kit has not been disclosed.
With this latest offering, Manthey reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of Porsche’s engineering excellence, ensuring that the 911 GT3 RS remains at the forefront of track performance.
Lotus, the iconic sports car manufacturer renowned for its dedication to lightweight engineering, has shifted gears yet again. Under Geely’s ownership, the British automaker previously announced an all-electric future, including plans for an electric SUV. However, at the recent Guangzhou Motor Show in China, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed a dramatic change: the brand is moving away from a fully electric lineup and will instead focus on hybrid technology, specifically “Super Hybrids” that promise exceptional performance and efficiency.
This pivot stems from reluctance among high-end customers to transition entirely to electric vehicles (EVs). According to Feng, while EVs offer distinct benefits, such as quiet cabins and minimal noise or vibration, these advantages are already present in luxury internal combustion engines (ICE). For high-performance and luxury models, the appeal of traditional V8 and V12 engines remains strong, as these powertrains deliver robust performance and an engaging driving experience.
Lotus’s new hybrid strategy aims to address concerns often associated with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), including added weight from large batteries, daily charging requirements, and limited power when the battery depletes. The “Super Hybrid” approach integrates a turbocharged combustion engine with ultra-fast charging capabilities, enabling a driving range of up to 680 miles without relying solely on ICE power.
Mini Plant Oxford, the historic home of the Mini brand, has resumed production of the Mini Cooper Convertible for the first time since 2015. The convertible now joins the Mini Cooper 3-Door and Mini Cooper 5-Door, establishing Oxford as the production hub for the entire Mini Cooper family.
A New Era for the Mini Convertible
The relaunch of the fourth-generation Mini Cooper Convertible, announced last month, brings a refreshed design inside and out alongside an advanced digital experience.
Integrated UK Manufacturing
Production of the Mini Convertible involves contributions from three UK-based BMW Group facilities:
BMW Group Plant Swindon: Responsible for body pressings and sub-assemblies.
BMW Group Plant Hams Hall (North Warwickshire): Manufactures the advanced four-cylinder petrol engines.
Mini Plant Oxford: Handles body shell production, paintwork, and final assembly.
BYD, the global leader in new energy vehicles (NEVs) and power batteries, achieved a monumental milestone by rolling off its 10-millionth NEV from its Xiaomo Production Base in the Shenzhen-Shanwei Special Cooperation Zone. This achievement, marking the company’s 30th anniversary, highlights BYD’s commitment to sustainable transportation and reinforces its standing as a global automotive leader.
Pioneering NEV Production
BYD is the first automaker globally to produce 10 million NEVs, a feat achieved through a rapid acceleration of production. The company took 15 years to manufacture its first 5 million NEVs but achieved the next 5 million in just 15 months. This milestone underscores BYD’s strategic focus on NEVs and its leadership in sustainable development.
The 10-millionth vehicle, a DENZA Z9, was ceremoniously presented to Mr. Feng Ji, the Founder and CEO of Game Science, known for the critically acclaimed game Black Myth: Wukong.
Robin Zeng, founder and chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s leading battery manufacturer, has expressed openness to building a U.S. plant if the political climate under President-elect Donald Trump allows for Chinese investment in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.
Barriers to Entry for Chinese Battery Makers
Zeng highlighted that Chinese EV and battery manufacturers, including CATL and BYD, have faced significant trade restrictions in the U.S., including high tariffs, protectionist policies, and national security concerns. The Biden administration’s policies excluded Chinese-made batteries from EV subsidies, while a Republican-backed bill seeks to limit EV incentives for vehicles using Chinese battery technology, even when licensed by American firms like Ford and Tesla.
Despite these challenges, Zeng noted Trump’s potential openness to allowing Chinese automakers to set up U.S.-based manufacturing plants under conditions that benefit American workers. “I do hope that in the future they are open to investments,” Zeng said.
Hyundai Motor Company has introduced the Elantra N TCR Edition, a high-performance sedan designed to bring the thrill of motorsport to everyday driving. Known as the AVANTE N TCR Edition in its home market of South Korea, the vehicle is directly inspired by Hyundai’s success in the Touring Car Racing (TCR) World Tour, blending race-proven engineering with production-car practicality.
Motorsport-Inspired Performance
Drawing from its rich motorsport heritage since joining the TCR World Tour in 2017, Hyundai has equipped the Elantra N TCR Edition with advanced features developed through years of competition and championship victories. Key upgrades include:
Carbon Swan Neck Spoiler: Lightweight and adjustable for optimised downforce across varying driving conditions.
19-inch N TCR Forged Wheels: Highly rigid and lightweight for enhanced performance.
N Performance Braking System: Four-piston brakes standard for superior stopping power.
